The group of test subjects stood outside the bomb shelter, completely silent. All eyes were on Carlos as the gun dropped to the ground. He looked around slowly.

"I know that was the right choice," he said. "Now we can move on." Junpei slowly nodded in agreement. He knew Carlos wouldn't let them down here. He had really started to trust Carlos towards the end of the Decision Game, except when he pinned Akane down. I still hate him for that, Junpei thought, clenching his fists. I don't care that he wasn't going to go through with it. He could've found a different way to fight with me that didn't involve scaring her, even for only a few seconds.

"I need to go and contact the Dcom staff to get us help," Diana whispered before rushing back into the shelter, effectively hiding her face. Sigma immediately followed after her as Junpei and the others looked away awkwardly.

No one else said a word as Junpei continued to reflect on the events of the shelter. There was so much pain to get past, and he put his arm around Akane's shoulders to calm himself down. Junpei knew she didn't need any protection, but he could face the future more bravely if he stood with her. Akane glanced up at Junpei with surprise, then closed her eyes and leaned into him. And before Junpei could stop them, tears started running down his face. It was surreal that everyone was alive and standing outside of the shelter. He had spent what felt like decades worrying about their future. Akane's eyes shot back open when Junpei's body started to shake, and she started rubbing gentle circles on his back.

"Oh, Junpei..." she whispered softly. Junpei wiped his eyes furiously.

"I'm not crying, dammit! Some water just got on my face. Nothing's wrong. We're done with that place, alright? There's nothing to be sad about." But as he spoke, he dropped his head onto Akane's shoulder.

"Of course," Akane teased him. "It just started raining in the desert."

"Akane..." His voice was choked up. Akane's smile faded. She stood on her toes to murmur in Junpei's ear.

"It's all over now. We did it. We're both alive, and here, and everything is okay. We'll change the future together, and the world will become a beautiful place to live in."

Junpei squeezed Akane tighter for a moment, before letting go to fiddle in his pocket. He pulled something out and dropped to one knee.

"In another history, I told you I'd do this properly. And here I am. Akane, we're not trapped anymore. And now that I'm not forced to by some maniac, I want to choose to stand by you for the rest of my life. You don't need my help changing the world, but we're stronger together. And I don't ever want you to be too far away. So...you know what this means. Don't make me say it." Akane giggled.

"I know, Junpei. And the answer is yes."

"Good," Junpei said, looking relieved. As he reached for Akane's left hand, he smiled. "Thanks for saving this spot for me." He slowly slid the ring onto Akane's third finger and looked at it for a second before meeting Akane's eyes, which were brimming with tears.

"I guess the desert rain caught me too," she said softly. Then she too sank to her knees and Junpei gathered her in his arms. The engaged couple didn't speak, just glad that they could enjoy each other's company in peace.